Heading into their first-round playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, many Los Angeles Lakers fans had high hopes. Some were already mapping out a path to the NBA Finals, believing Minnesota would be a minor hurdle. Instead, after a stunning Game 4 collapse, the Lakers now find themselves down 1–3, tilting on the edge of elimination.
Anthony Edwards’ Rise and Lakers’ Cracks Exposed
The Timberwolves have unleashed a new playoff superstar in Anthony Edwards. His electric 43-point performance in Game 4, combined with nine rebounds and six assists, sent a clear message: Minnesota is here to compete. Edwards’ aggressive drives, relentless pace, and ability to get to the free-throw line (17 attempts) exposed major gaps in the Lakers’ perimeter defense and transition game.
But the concerns run deeper than one superstar’s rise. According to Bleacher Report, the Lakers’ lack of size has been glaringly exposed. Jaxson Hayes, one of their few big men, logged just four minutes in Game 4, leaving the paint vulnerable to physical players like Naz Reid.
Depth has also become a glaring issue. While the Lakers’ starters struggled to keep pace, the Timberwolves’ bench delivered, with strong contributions from Donte DiVincenzo and Nickeil Alexander-Walker. Rookie head coach JJ Redick is facing heat for relying too heavily on his starting five, who appeared visibly gassed by the fourth quarter. Minnesota, meanwhile, stayed fresh and executed precisely when it mattered.
Must-Win Situation as Lakers’ Playoff Hopes Hang by a Thread
What once seemed like a straightforward series for Los Angeles has unraveled dramatically. The Timberwolves have played with poise and confidence, consistently beating the Lakers to loose balls, out-rebounding them, and executing late-game scenarios better. Their combination of youth, energy, and smart coaching adjustments has clearly overwhelmed a Lakers squad that many thought was playoff-tested.
As the series shifts back to Los Angeles for Game 5, the pressure is immense. LeBron James and Luka Doncic must summon a vintage performance to stave off elimination. Otherwise, the Timberwolves could cap one of the most stunning first-round upsets in recent memory, leaving the Lakers with perhaps one of the unexpected first-round exits in their Franchise history.
For Lakers fans who once joked about booking early Finals tickets, the reality now is much more sobering: win or go home.
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